The use of tape in physical therapy is advancing with the times. You will understand why by the time you are done with this article.
As anyone present in this generation, you may even have heard of taping as a treatment option. Taping is a non-invasive procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation. It can also be used to prevent and treat injuries. While most tapes perform these general functions, there are different types of tapes, each with its area of specialty.
Today, we will be focusing on the benefits of tape for the feet and ankles. What can tape do for your feet and ankles? In what situation is taping applicable for these parts of the body?
In the rest of this article, we will discuss the types of tape, tell you more about their functions, and, most importantly, enlighten you about five conditions you can manage by taping the feet and/or ankles.
Types of Tape
There are different types of tape, but two are the most commonly used for physical therapy. They are:
Athletic Tape
Athletic tape is a pressure-sensitive tape often used to apply compression to different body parts. It can be used to prevent injuries and relieve pain. It can also be used to speed up recovery.
Athletic tapes can be elastic or inelastic, although when we look closely at the functions, we will find that there is no plausible reason for the elastic ones to exist.
Athletic tapes are best used to provide support and improve stability. This is why they are most effective when they are non-elastic. In the absence of elasticity, they can apply maximum compression with zero stretches to increase stability.
Unlike Kinesiology sports tapes, non-elastic athletic tapes are not all that suitable when maximum mobility is what you’re looking for. Elastic athletic tape, however, can be fit for this. It is almost like Kinesio tape in function.
Although the name, athletic tape, is derived from the word athlete, others can also use it because it has generalized functions.
Hampton Adams is one of the companies that produces top-tier athletic tapes. Because we understand the main purpose of athletic tapes, we have focused on making non-elastic or non-stretch ones.
Our Hampton Adams 3-pack of black athletic tape is effective thanks to the type of material used in making it. The cotton used in our products is a pure substrate.
Every other material used in production is hypoallergenic and medical-grade as well. These are all things that ensure that our tape is comfortable and effective. The use of hypoallergenic materials also reduces the risk of reactions and infections.
The comfortability of our tapes is not only a result of the materials’ quality but also our production process.
You should also take note of the quality of the adhesive on our tape. At Hampton Adams, we have a No Sticky Residue policy. We make use of a special formula to produce our glue to ensure its strength. With this improved formula as well, we have eliminated the problem of sticky residue that comes with many taping products.
Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology tape makes use of the concept of decompression. It is much like athletic tape, except it is flexible and structured differently. While athletic tape may be considered stiff, especially when it comes to certain brands, Kinesio tape is known for its elasticity.
The whole idea surrounding the invention of kinesiology sports tape was the need to allow mobility while, at the same time, providing some support and relieving pain.
The first kinesiology tape, called Kinesio Tex tape, was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor, in 1979. His patients were mostly people with musculoskeletal problems who experienced pain and had problems moving. We can say they were the inspiration behind this invention.
Kinesiolo Tex tape was flexible, elastic, and comfortable and these characteristics still hold for many kinesiology tapes today.
Take Hampton Adams, for instance. Our tape is known for its remarkable flexibility and elasticity. When it comes to Kinesio tape, these usually translate to high efficiency, which is the case at Hampton Adams.
Our 16ft kinesiology sports tape is also comfortable. This can be attributed to the materials used and the production process employed in making these tapes.
As with our athletic tape, we only use one hundred percent cotton substrates to produce our Kinesio tape. Other materials are also high quality to increase efficiency.
Our tape is also latex free, which greatly reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
There is also a No Sticky Residue policy on our 16ft kinesiology tape.
Hampton Adams kinesiology tape is strong, firm, comfortable, water-resistant, and effective. It does not get better than this.
Functions of Tape
Some of the benefits of taping the feet and/or ankles include the following:
Injury Prevention
For people who engage in a lot of physically straining activities, taping the ankles can provide them with extra musculoskeletal support that makes movement easier and improves stability.
Runners, for instance, will find this added stability useful when moving quickly on uneven surfaces. Footballers can also benefit from this function.
Preventive taping will prevent internal structures from easily moving out of position. This function of support is best performed by athletic tape because of its inelasticity and firmness. It is perfect for applying the right amount of compression and conferring stability.
Treatment of Injuries
Even while protecting your ankles with the right tape, it is still impossible not to sustain injuries once in a while. After sustaining an injury to the ankle that reduces its stability, taping is the right way to anchor the affected foot and prevent it from further damage.
This will also reduce the inflammation and pain that comes with most ankle injuries.
Kinesiology sports tape is best for the function of pain relief and reduction of inflammation. It lifts the skin to change pain signals and improve lymphatic flow. Through the intricate process of decompression, Kinesio tape will execute these functions efficiently.
5 Conditions That Can Benefit From Taping the Feet and Ankles
Several conditions can benefit from taping; here are some that are specific to the feet and ankles:
1. Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinitis of the Heel
The Achilles, the strongest and largest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It allows you to lift your heel off the ground and point your toe towards the floor during movement. Without the Achilles tendon, you won’t be able to attain balance in such a position. Achilles tendonitis is an injury of the Achilles tendon which makes it impossible for you to tiptoe. This condition is usually accompanied by pain and tenderness.
By taping the Achilles tendon with the calf, you can provide musculoskeletal support and relieve the pain. Combining this with other treatment options will speed up the healing process.
2. Bunions
A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe. It is caused when one of the bones in the big toe moves out of position, this forces the tip of the toe to bend towards the other toes and causes the joint at the base of the big toe to point outwards.
This condition can be very painful and limit your movement. It also makes it difficult to wear certain footwear.
By taping a bunion, you can re-align the toe and return it to its normal position. It will also prevent aggravation of the injury, reduce pain, and increase your mobility.
3. Plantar Fasciitis/Policeman’s Heel
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes and runs across the foot’s bottom. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this tissue that causes excruciating pains.
Taping the heel will help this condition by providing stability, giving it time to heal. It can also reduce the musculoskeletal pain that comes with it.
4. Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction
This is an inflammation or avulsion of the tibialis posterior muscle which is the deepest muscle of the deep posterior compartment of the lower leg. This muscle helps to stabilize the lower leg, support the arch of the heel, and flex and invert the ankle. Its malfunction can cause a lot of pain and difficulty in walking.
Taping the tibialis posterior will improve this condition by stabilizing the ankle and arch (this prevents arch collapse), reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.
5. Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability is often caused by injury to the lateral ankle ligaments. These injuries may include repeated sprains that overstretch the outside muscles and ligaments. The condition causes an imbalance while walking and performing other activities.
Taping the ankle can be used to protect and support the joint. It will prevent aggravation of the injury to avoid further damage. It can also help to relieve pain and improve gait.
At Hampton Adams, we have everything you need to keep your ankles and feet in perfect condition. Visit us today to purchase these products and improve your overall physical state.
